Ram

2500 (4th)

2010-2018 · Full-Size Truck
4,829 NHTSA Complaints
31 Recalls
49 Fire Reports
108 Crash Reports
View all 2 generations of the Ram 2500 → 📋 Inspection checklist

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
3/5 (23.7% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
4/5 (15.5% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
3/5 (23.7% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
4/5 (15.5% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (15.5% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
3/5 (23.7% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (15.5% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
3/5 (23.7% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
3/5 (23.7% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
4/5 (15.5% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
4/5 (15.5% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
3/5 (23.7% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
4/5 (15.5% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (15.5% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
3/5 (23.7% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
3/5 (23.7% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
4/5 (15.5% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
3/5 (23.7% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
3/5 (23.7% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
4/5 (15.5% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
3/5 (23.7% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
4/5 (15.5% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
3/5 (23.7% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (15.5% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
3/5 (23.7% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
4/5 (15.5% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
3/5 (23.7% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
4/5 (15.5% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
3/5 (23.7% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (15.5% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
3/5 (23.7% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
4/5 (15.5% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
3/5 (23.7% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
4/5 (15.5% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
3/5 (23.7% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
4/5 (15.5% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
3/5 (23.7% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall 3/5
Frontal Crash
2/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
3/5 (23.7% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
3/5 (23.7% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
4/5 (15.5% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall 3/5
Frontal Crash
2/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (15.5% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
4/5 (15.5% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
3/5 (23.7% risk)
ESC: No FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
3/5 (23.7% risk)
ESC: No FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
3/5 (23.7% risk)
ESC: No FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
4/5 (15.5% risk)
ESC: No FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
4/5 (15.5% risk)
ESC: No FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
4/5 (15.5% risk)
ESC: No FCW: No LDW: No

Recalls (31)

25V010000Jan 15, 2025serious
Air Bags

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Ram 3500, Ram 1500, 2016-2020 Ram 2500, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis vehicles. The right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.

25V592000Nov 8, 2025serious
Air Bags

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, and Ram 3500 vehicles. The right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.

24V896000Nov 26, 2024serious
Service Brakes

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. The hydraulic control unit (HCU) may fail, which can cause the anti-lock brake (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and traction control systems to fail.

21V632000Dec 7, 2021serious
Air Bags

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Ram 1500 Classic, 2015-2016 Ram 3500, and Ram 2500 vehicles, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a gross vehicle weight rating less than 10,000 lbs. The side air bag inflatable curtain (SABIC) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator, or the inflator sidewall may rupture.

19V021000Jan 24, 2019serious
Steering

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Ram 3500 and 2014-2018 Ram 3500 Chassis Cab and Ram 2500 vehicles. The outboard steering linkage jam nut may loosen, allowing one end of the drag link to separate.

19V347000Sep 4, 2019serious
Latches/Locks/Linkages

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with an 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. Chrysler is also recalling all 2013-2014 and 2018 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks built before April 1, 2018 with a 6 or 8 foot bed and a power locking tailgate. On August 29, 2019 Chrysler expanded the recall to include an additional 693,128 model year 2013-2014 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks. The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving.

18V486000Jul 26, 2018serious
Structure

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2017 RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with a power locking tailgate and either a 5 foot, 7 inch or 6 foot, 4 inch bed. The tailgate actuator limiter tab may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and open while driving.

18V332000May 16, 2018serious
Electrical System

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.

18E096000Oct 15, 2018serious
Steering

Streetcar ORV LLC (Streetcar) is recalling certain American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) 3" Dualsport aftermarket suspension kits, part numbers N0436000 and N0436001, sold for installation on 2013-2018 RAM 2500 and 3500HD trucks. Improper installation and machining of the original equipment steering knuckle may weaken the joint between the steering drag link and knuckle.

18V398000Jun 13, 2018serious
Back Over Prevention

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Journey and RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 vehicles. The backup camera may experience a loss of image display while backing up. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."

18V100000Aug 1, 2018serious
Powertrain

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 RAM 1500, 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, all equipped with a column shifter. Pushing the brake pedal for prolonged periods when the vehicle is running and in PARK may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin to stick in the open position. With the pin in the open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.

17V824000Dec 20, 2017serious
Equipment

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

17V821000Dec 19, 2017serious
Powertrain

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs, 2011-2017 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, 2009-2017 Ram 1500 and 2010-2017 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks, all equipped with a column shifter. Pushing the brake pedal for prolonged periods when the vehicle is running and in PARK may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin to stick in the open position. With the pin in the open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.

17V562000Dec 8, 2017serious
Engine & Cooling

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2017 RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines that have Concentric-brand water pumps without a vent hole. These water pumps may leak coolant.

17V499000Oct 7, 2017serious
Wheels

Streetcar ORV LLC, dba American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) is recalling certain 2013-2017 RAM 2500 and 3500 heavy duty trucks, modified by AEV to be equipped with cast aluminum Katla 8.5" road wheels. The outer surface of the wheel may fracture, resulting in rapid air loss.

17V302000Sep 4, 2017serious
Air Bags

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, and 2014-2016 Ram 3500 vehicles. Certain driving conditions, such as driving off-road or debris striking the vehicle may cause the roll rate sensor to trigger a fault within the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC). If this fault occurs, the rollover side curtain air bag and the seat belt pretensioner will be disabled from deploying.

16V559000Jul 25, 2016serious
Steering

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015 RAM 2500 trucks, and RAM 3500 trucks and cab chassis. The affected vehicles may have inadequate welds securing the front track bar frame brackets, possibly resulting in the bracket components separating from the frame.

16E041000May 15, 2016serious
Equipment

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling aftermarket Mopar Canvas Seat Covers for certain 2012-2016 RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks. These Mopar canvas seat covers were sold through Chrysler dealerships beginning October 15, 2015. The seat covers can impede the deployment of the seat thorax airbags.

16V739000Oct 12, 2016serious
Electrical System

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Charger Police vehicles, 2007-2013 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2013 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, and 2013 RAM 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The affected vehicles have a 220 amp alternator that may suddenly fail.

15V541000Aug 25, 2015serious
Steering

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014 Ram 2500 trucks and 2013-2014 Ram 3500 trucks and cab chassis manufactured October 9, 2012, to July 29, 2014. The affected vehicles may have inadequate welds securing the front track bar frame brackets, which may result in the bracket components separating from the frame.

15V592000Sep 22, 2015serious
Engine & Cooling

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ram 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis and 4500/5500 Cab Chassis trucks manufactured July 31, 2015, to August 13, 2015 and equipped with a 6.7L Cummins Diesel engine. In the affected vehicles, the Engine Control Module (ECM) may short circuit, causing the engine to stall without warning.

15V461000Jul 22, 2015serious
Equipment

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500, 2015 Chrysler 200, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Challenger, 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Cherokee, and Dodge Durango, and 2013-2015 Dodge Viper vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with radios that have software vulnerabilities that can allow third-party access to certain networked vehicle control systems.

15V459000Jul 21, 2015serious
Air Bags

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks manufactured January 18, 2011, to October 7, 2014, and equipped with the Electronic Vehicle Information Center option. The affected vehicles have a steering wheel wiring harness that may rub against the driver air bag module retainer spring.

15V460000Jul 21, 2015serious
Seat Belts

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks manufactured June 20, 2012, to January 26, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the side impact sensor calibrations may be overly sensitive, and as a result, the side air bag inflatable curtains and seat air bags may unexpectedly deploy and the seat belt pre-tensioners may activate.

14V635000Aug 9, 2014serious
Engine & Cooling

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks manufactured March 27, 2009, to September 5, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the electrical connectors of the diesel fuel heater may overheat.

13V486000Oct 16, 2013serious
Electrical System

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2014 RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks manufactured July 1, 2013, through August 22, 2013. Randomly, the warning lights in the instrument cluster may fail to illuminate as designed.

13V529000Jun 10, 2013serious
Steering

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 RAM 2500 4X4 and 3500 4X4 trucks, 2008-2012 Dodge RAM 3500 4x2 Cab Chassis, and model year 2008 Dodge RAM 1500 Mega Cab 4x4. The left tie rod assembly may break.

13V237000Apr 5, 2013serious
Exterior Lighting

Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks manufactured September 9, 2012, through March 5, 2013 and equipped with optional premium tail lamps. In the affected vehicles, the turn signal indicator may not flash at a double rate to give a notification to the driver of a turn signal malfunction. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."

13V240000Apr 5, 2013serious
Exterior Lighting

Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks manufactured January 7, 2013, through February 28, 2013 and equipped with optional premium headlamps. The headlamp shutters may function improperly when in high-beam mode. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."

13V122000Mar 3, 2013serious
Engine & Cooling

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks manufactured January 7, 2013, through March 6, 2013. The engine cover may trap an excessive amount of heat under the cover.

11V350000Jun 6, 2011serious
Steering

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 DODGE RAM 2500/3500 4X4, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 14, 2008, THROUGH MARCH 28, 2011; MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 DODGE RAM 3500 CAB CHASSIS 4X2, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 14, 2008, THROUGH MARCH 28, 2011; AND MODEL YEAR 2008 DODGE RAM 1500 MEGA CAB 4X4, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 14, 2008, THROUGH AUGUST 15, 2008, BECAUSE THE LEFT TIE ROD BALL STUD MAY FRACTURE. THIS CONDITION TENDS TO OCCUR DURING LOW SPEED PARKING LOT TYPE MANEUVERS WHEN THE CUSTOMER IS MAKING A TIGHT TURN. ADDITIONALLY, MODEL YEAR 2003-2008 DODGE RAM 2500/3500 VEHICLES MAY HAVE RECEIVED THE AFFECTED TIE ROD ASSEMBLY AS A REPLACEMENT PART DURING NORMAL SERVICE.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2010-2018 Ram 2500 problems?

The 2010-2018 Ram 2500 has accumulated 4,829 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Brakes, Safety Systems, Steering. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Ram 2500 engine is most reliable?

The 2010-2018 Ram 2500 was offered with 3 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 4.8L 8-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2010-2018 Ram 2500 a good used car?

The 2010-2018 Ram 2500 can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 4,829 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2010-2018 Ram 2500 have?

The 2010-2018 Ram 2500 has 4,829 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2010-2018 Ram 2500?

There are 31 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2010-2018 Ram 2500 vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Ram 2500?

Before buying a used Ram 2500, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Brakes, Safety Systems, Steering, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the 2500?

The 2018 Ram 2500 received an overall 4-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 4 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (15.5% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 4,829 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-07.

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